Carpet Moths
The Carpet Moth is a common household textile pest. Carpet moth larvae feed predominately on keratin found in natural fibres such as wool, and so can live on any carpet with some wool content. A carpet moth infestation can be a costly problem as it can cause serious and often irreperable damage to carpets, rugs and other soft furnishings in the home. Also, if carpet moths feed on all natural fibres, if left untreated, they can go on to infest wardrobes and drawers and cause additional damage to expensive clothing like wool and cashmere sweaters and suits, as well as silk, fur and leather garments.
Identifying a Carpet Moth
- The carpet moth is smaller than a common house moth; with a body about 5mm long and a wingspan of about 14-18mm.
- Carpet moths are buff coloured, with forewings that usually have three distinct dots. The hind wings are smaller in comparison, and lighter coloured.
- The carpet moth will rarely fly and are more likely to be seen hopping about at floor level.
- The Case Bearing moth (Tinea pellionella) leaves small white cases, similar to grains of rice, out of which the moths hatch.
The Lifecycle of a Carpet Moth
Where the environment offers ideal levels of heat and humidity, an egg can develop into an adult moth within as little as 2 months; however, if the levels of heat and humidity differ, the lifecycle can take up to 2 years.
Due to central heating and better insulation in homes, reproduction and development can now continue throughout colder periods of the year, although during the winter you will notice less activity as the larvae develop more slowly until the start of the warmer weather when development speeds up and numbers increase more rapidly.
Checking for a Carpet Moth Infestation
If you have noticed threadbare patches on rugs and carpets, particularly in unused rooms, in dark areas or under longstanding furniture this is a tell-tale sign of a carpet moth infestation.
You may also spot larval cases dotted about around the edges of the room, or even notice some adult moths hopping about.
How do I get rid of Carpet Moths?
The most effective carpet moth control is achieved by using a combination of products such as powders, sprays and fumigation devices. In order to prevent a future infestation, it’s important to ensure your home is kept clean. Moths are attracted to moisture in spills and perspiration, as well as food traces. Ensuring that you vacuum thoroughly around the edges of room and under furniture is imperative, as moths will thrive in undisturbed areas.
For information on carpet moth treatment, please click on this link. For details on all our carpet moth killer products and to make a purchase, please click on the Moth Category tab above or here. We sell a variety of moth control products including residual insecticides such as Formula C Moth Spray and Formula P Carpet Moth Powder as well as fumigating Formula P Foggers; Moth Pheromone Traps for monitoring activity and Moth Killer Cassettes and Strips for protecting clothing in wardrobes and drawers. In addition, our bestselling Carpet Moth Kits provide all you need to eradicate a carpet moth infestation in your home. Our Kits are supplied with step-by-step instructions to enable you to carry out a simple and hassle-free treatment to get rid of carpet moths and keep your home moth free without the cost of a professional technician.
Follow the simple steps below for a highly effective Carpet Moth Treatment:
2. Firstly, apply a light dusting of Formula P Carpet Moth Powder to the entire carpet, with a more liberal application around the edges of the room and under long-standing furniture. Leave the powder down for 30 minutes to an hour to take effect before vacuuming up. (In areas of low foot traffic where the powder is not likely to be disturbed and become airborne it can be left down for longer, providing it is inaccessible to pets and children.
3. Spray Formula C+ Moth Killer Spray on areas of damage or the entire carpet if activity is widespread. Ideally you should move any heavy furniture and spray beneath. Apply spray more heavily around the edges of the room (up to 50cm out from skirting boards) and underneath the edges of the carpet if this is practical.
4. As Formula C+ is a residual insecticide it will leave an invisible barrier which will remain effective for several weeks after trearment (depending upon traffic over surfaces). Therefore, for maximum effect, you should avoid cleaning / vacuuming treated surfaces for as long as possible as this will remove the residue.
5. Next, place a Formula ‘P’ Fogger in the centre of the room and activate by pushing down firmly on the trigger to lock into place. The insecticidal gas is released under high pressure, so we advise ensuring the canister is held away from you when activating. The Fogger takes approx 90 seconds to disperse its contents. Each Fogger will treat a standard-size room of approx 4m x 4m. The Fogger will leave no residue on anything so will not taint or damage clothing, furniture or soft furnishings.
6. Leave the room and allow 2-3 hours for the spray to dry and for the gas to disperse. Upon re-entering the room, ventilate for approx 30 minutes by opening doors and windows to eliminate any remaining fumes and help speed up the drying process. Pets and children can safely return to the room and sit on treated carpets as soon as they are dry to the touch.
7. Install a moth pheromone trap in the room to monitor activity after treatment. Fold the plastic holder into a triangular shape, peel off the backing strip from one pheromone pad and place inside, sticky side facing out. Each pheromone pad will last approx 4-6 weeks.
8. If the carpet moth infestation is heavy or widespread, a repeat treatment may be necessary after 30 days.
